Founder and Executive Director

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: We live in Guatemala! It all began with our first adoption when we realized that our child with HIV would not be able to come home at the same time as his brother and sister because of the immigration process for people with HIV. I was saddened by the idea of explaining to my 4 year old little guy why he would have to wait an extra 3-9 months to join his new family and knew we had to fight to change immigration policy. (Read more of Carolyn’s Founders’ Story here)

Hobbies: Writing, reading, knitting, painting, making jewelry, decorating….I make a hobby of wanting hobbies. I fully intend to make running a hobby so that I can run in our half marathons with Team Truth!

Audrey Baker

Associate Executive Director

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: We were about to be empty nesters when we felt a very sudden and strong pull to adopt. I had recently been in Ethiopia and just naturally assumed that would be where our child was waiting...but God had other plans. After speaking with Carolyn and learning the TRUTH about HIV we began our first adoption - from Ukraine! LaRue and I later became foster parents and have been blessed to adopt three more children through the U.S. foster care system. I began working with Project HOPEFUL shortly after our first adoption because I truly believe in the need for education to combat the stigma that surrounds HIV and other special needs. It's a tremendous blessing to work with such a passionate, Spirit-led staff!

Traci Heim

Director of Financial Stewardship

Family:Traci and her husband Scott are parents to 10 children through adoption. Her children come from Russia, Ethiopia, and Ukraine and have come home as young as 10 months and as old as 17.

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: All 10 of my children have entered our family through adoption. Initially was this was due to infertility, but more recently because God opened my eyes to the needs of His children. I first began volunteering my time with Project HOPEFUL. Later, we adopted two of our kids who needed a new home after their mom died due to AIDS. Our youngest, came to us off of an HIV+ waiting child list. We could not imagine our lives without her. In 2013, we adopted four children from Ukraine.My desire with Project HOPEFUL is to spread the word about how very hope-filled an HIV+ adoption is so that no one misses out on this joy these children bring. My passion is to encourage others to advocate for these children as well.

I believe there is no special need greater than needing a family, and I am passionate about finding families for children and equipping those families to thrive.

She has held a staff position with Project HOPEFUL for many years, first assisting wherever necessary and then managing FIG grant funds and speaking at conferences and other events. She is now the Director of Financial Stewardship as well as board treasurer.

Hobbies: My children say they are working on the computer and talking on the phone. I would say that I enjoy skiing, reading, and spending alone time with my husband. (figure out how we can make that happen!)

Jennifer Kooshian

Director of Communications

Family: Married to my best friend, Brian since 1992, and I am mother to Peter, Jeremiah, Emma, Noah, and Mercy.

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: I have been passionate about adoption and orphan care since I was a child, but when I started learning the truth about HIV and AIDS in 2010, I was shaken. I was upset to learn I had believed lies for more than twenty years. It sickened me that I was one of the Moms who always moved quickly past the photo-listings of any waiting children with HIV out of ignorance and fear. Now I’m passionate about doing everything in my power to see them adopted into loving families and to conquer stigma with TRUTH! We have not adopted yet, but are praying God opens that door to us very soon.

Lyndsay Boulton

Spiritual Director

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: In 2009 my husband and I went on a mission trip to India where we spent time with hundreds of orphans. Our hearts were forever changed. We came home from that trip and immediately began researching adoption and the orphan crisis in the world. We were drawn to the plight of the orphan in Ethiopia and specifically children who lost their parents due to AIDS. We started the process to adopt a child with HIV from Ethiopia. In 2010 I met Carolyn Twietmeyer and Audrey Baker at a conference, I knew I had to be a part of what they were doing for the most overlooked children all over the world. I have been a part of Project HOPEFUL since then. In 2011 we brought home our beautiful daughter Batri from Ethiopia, she was 4 at the time. In 2012 we adopted Ruby, she was 8 weeks old and has Down syndrome. In 2013 we adopted Conner at 3 weeks old, he also has Down syndrome. Ruby and Conner are our 'Wonder Twins', they do everything together. They were both Open Domestic adoptions. They have forever changed us! I am passionate about educating families concerning overlooked and undervalued children. These children have changed our lives in amazing ways and I love playing a small part in other peoples' adoption journeys.

Hobbies: I love to read, and write, and eat good food. I enjoy yoga. I am a forever student of all things, the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know much!

Jenni Johnston

Director of Waiting Children and Orphanage Liason

Family: Married to my hero, Josh. We have three very loud children, Chloe, Jack (Ethiopia), and Liam… more to come.

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: In 2009, I begged God to give me a purpose. I heard him loud and clear, “ADOPTION!” We then brought home Jack in 2010. I realized I was not done. I, then, asked God to show me what broke his heart. Through crazy God-moments I was lead to Project HOPEFUL. After stalking these wonderful ladies, they let me be on staff. My world has been turned upside-down! I will forever be broken for these children who need hope and love.

Hobbies: Roller Derby, chasing after my kiddos, obsessing over anything adoption, pretending that I am going to be a hippie, homeopathic, farmer that can cook, and I love playing dress-up.

Greg & Charisa Knight

Directors of FIG Awassa

Family: Charisa and Greg have been married since 1992 and parent 5 kids: Rebekah, Joshua, Rachel, Abenezer (Ethiopia) and Teshale (Ethiopia)

How we got involved in Project HOPEFUL: It all started with a mission trip to Zambia in 2007 when the children became REAL!! We couldn’t change the channel when it became uncomfortable and it was clear that the Lord was calling us to something. That experience led to the adoption of two beautiful Ethiopian boys and our lives shifted direction in a dramatic way.

Hobbies: Charisa loves music-particularly worship music that brings me into our Father’s presence. You may find me curled up with a book when I can get a moment. I am also passionate about fighting human trafficking and volunteer as a justice advocate with International Justice Mission. Greg enjoys time with the family and chasing the boys around to soccer games. He is a family man at heart.

Nancy Porter

Director of HOPE+ Sisterhood Ethiopia

Family: Married to Kirk Porter since 1998, adoptive mother to 2 amazing kids: Haan and Eden

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: I met Carolyn (and Selah) in Ethiopia 2 1/2 years ago when we both had an extended stay in Addis and stayed together in a guest house. I was able to see firsthand how very ill Selah was in Addis and then watch the transformation once she was home. Looking back now, I realize that the extended stay had a larger purpose, and my eyes were opened to the plight of the HIV+ child and the amazing ministry that is Project HOPEFUL. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help further Project HOPEFUL’s mission and spread the word about its amazing work!!!

Carol Wright

Director of Hope+ Guatemala and W.O.W. Public Relations Coordinator

How I got involved in Project Hopeful: I met Carolyn through blogging back in 2007 while she was in Ethiopia and trying to bring her daughter Selah home. Through a series of events, God opened the door for my daughter and I to serve with Carolyn and her family in Guatemala for 10 weeks during our summer break. During that time, God gave us a very clear call to return to Guatemala full time! I am excited to see what God does through the Walk on Water Initiative in Guatemala and am honored to be a part of His work.

Hobbies: I enjoy swimming, snorkeling when I get the chance and traveling. I love hanging out with friends, lots of laughter as well as deep conversations. Why do I feel like I just posted on a dating site?

Debbie Spikings

HOPE+ Ethiopia Assistant Director

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: After my husband and I married in 2003 we wanted a ministry we could do together. Our youngest child was in high school and we were almost empty nesters. The answer to our prayers came in the form of a three month old baby boy! The Lord really opened my heart and eyes to the need for people to care for orphans, especially those with HIV/AIDS and other special needs. I prayed about how to serve and the Lord and He led me to Project HOPEFUL.

Lani Rankin

Waiting Children Coordinator

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: I was introduced to Project HOPEFUL by Jenni Johnston and ever since God has been at work on my heart. Being part of the Project Hopeful team gives me encouragement and inspiration to help find homes for wonderful children throughout the world. I hope to make other people aware and Hope+.

Hobbies: Running, pinning on Pinterest, reading, and car radio singing

Desiree Thompson

Social Media Coordinator

Family: Married to Aaron. Mother to Fares, Tariku, Lydia, Asher, and Levi.

How I got involved with Project HOPEFUL: In 2012 my husband and I were in the midst of the adoption process and we saw a picture of a waiting child. We reached out to Project HOPEFUL because this little guy was HIV+ and we wanted to know what "everyday" looked like. Project HOPEFUL's staff was so encouraging and provided us with a lot of support. We loved the mission of Project HOPEFUL and quickly got involved in their HOPE+ Sisterhood program in Ethiopia, the same country we were adopting from. While in Ethiopia we got to meet our sister and see the program ourselves and I knew it was something I wanted to continue to support and advocate for. I am so happy to be a part of a team that has guided me through the last few years and I hope to be that same source of encouragement to others.

Kimberly Balts

Director of FIG Programs

Family: I married my high school sweetheart in 1991. In 2004, I became a mom to Ellie, then twin boys, Zander and Connor, and Madison (Uganda)

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: Through our adoption process, God opened my eyes to His heart for adoption and stirred within me a passion for adoption. Since our own adoption, I have been praying for God to break my heart for what breaks His, and to show me an area where I can serve Him. I began learning more about HIV and adoption and that is how I found Project HOPEFUL. I am so excited to share my passion with young people and get them involved with advocating for orphans, and to see where God leads.

Hobbies: photography (wish I was better at it), reading, playing scrabble, and I love traveling.

Yamid HR

Creative Media & Translations

Family: Looking forward to marrying my best friend. I’m engaged and am a future adoptive parent. My family is all around the world, those that take care of the widows, orphans and keep apart of the corruption of this world . .

How I got involved in Project HOPEFUL: I used to believe that Truth is the most important thing in life, but a few years ago I understood that it’s not just about the things that you think are right, but what you do with the truth that you have… not just trying to resolve an intellectual issue like being pro or against abortion, but being able to respond to those that don’t see another choice in life and be part of a community of people that believes and lives in ways that promote life with everything we do. Truth and Grace brings Love to my life and it’s because of Love that I have Hope.